Pusaka Gallery
Asian Antiques and Textiles
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China Late Ming Period (c. 1550-1644) Bronze Height 40 cm Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit, lit. "Lord who looks down") is the bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. He is the most widely revered bodhisattva in Buddhism. Avalokiteshvara is also referred to as Padmapani ("Holder of the Lotus") or Lokeshvara ("Lord of the World"). In East Asia, Avalokiteshvara is known as Guan Yin or Kannon/Kanzeon and is generally represented as female. In Tibetan, Avalokitesvara is known as Chenrezig, and he is said to be incarnated in the Dalai Lama. Avalokiteshvara is an enlightened being who is a manifestation of all Buddhas' compassion. He is known the 'Buddha of Compassion'. He usually appears as white in color with four arms. His first two hands are pressed together at his heart, symbolizing his respect for his Spiritual Guide, Buddha Amitabha, who is on his crown. Even though Avalokiteshvara is an enlightened being he still shows respect to his Spiritual Guide. His first two hands hold a jewel, which symbolizes his own enlightenment. This mudra is indicating 'I attained jewel-like great enlightenment through receiving blessings from my Spiritual Guide Amitabha'. His second left hand holds a white lotus flower. A lotus grows in the mud at the bottom of a lake, but its flowers bloom on the surface of the water, completely free from the stains of mud. By holding a lotus flower Avalokiteshvara is showing that because he attained enlightenment he is free from all obstacles, and has a completely pure body, speech and mind. His second right hand holds a crystal mala, symbolizing that he can free all living beings from samsara and lead them to liberation. Provenance: Private seller, Amsterdam 
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